HOBBS, N.M. - University of the Southwest baseball concluded a three-game series versus Louisiana State University-Alexandria and lost a narrow 3-1 decision Saturday afternoon at Jake Williams Field.
 
On the bump for the Mustangs was senior Axel Arrieta. The El Paso, Texas native tossed eight innings and allowed eight hits, three runs and walked two batters and fanned nine.
 
Relieving Arrieta in the ninth inning was senior Marvin Ortiz. The Albuquerque, N.M. product allowed one hit and struck out two batters.
 
Senior Ean Smith batted 2-for-4, while senior JC Velasco went 1-for-2 with an RBI. Pitch runner Jacob Harris added the lone run for the Mustangs in the bottom of the second inning. 
 
USW returns to action March 20th at noon for a non-conference doubleheader versus NCAA Division II University of Texas of the Permian Basin at The Jake. The Mustangs own a pair of victories earlier in the season, defeating UTPB 6-4 and 5-2.